Walks are good for everyone. Dogs guard our homes all day, and wait for that precious time with us. No excuses. Avoid your phone. Calls/texts can wait for 30 minutes. Keep your head up, posture straight, breathe mindfully and burn calories. No retractable/flexi leads, please. Keep them close and safe. If your dog is willing and able, increase your daily walk distance/speed.
TAKE PICTURES
Recent pictures (full body and close up of head) of your pet are the first thing you’ll need, should your pet escape, wiggle out of a harness, or get lost.
COLLAR AND ID
Make sure your pet ALWAYS wears a snug (no more than two fingers underneath) collar with ID. I don’t have a microchip reader, do you? Vets aren’t always open, or nearby. NEEDS MEDICINE, my vet’s name and number are on the back of my dogs’ tags.
CLEAN BOWLS, DAILY
Your dog is less likely to get sick if you wash their bowls daily with soap and water. Do you eat off dirty dishes? Drink from dirty glasses? Why should they?
MAINTAIN HEALTHY WEIGHT
When a caring friend, your family or vet says your pet is chubby: listen. A portly pet is a magnet for discomfort, health problems and a shorter life span. You want that on your conscience? Just because your dog is used to getting a pork hide everyday after a walk doesn’t mean it’s good for them. That is a monthly treat (never rawhide). Most dogs over the age of seven should be on lite food. They are not as active and don’t need as much protein. DO NOT just go by the bag instructions. Factor in dog’s age, health, current weight, activity, etc. Our dogs get a hearty treat in the morning, and lunch by 2 pm. That works for us. There is no reason for a main meal (calories) going into the least active part of the day, for our pets or us.
MIX IT UP
Occasionally, add a spoonful of cottage cheese*, plain yogurt*, canned pumpkin, blueberries, bananas, apple (no core, skin or seeds), lean protein (chicken, steak, fish) to their diet. I add fish, olive or coconut oil to their kibble, a few times a week. * regular, NOT low fat or nonfat
HAVE ON HAND
If your dog is feeling off, a little clear Pedialyte in their water can boost electrolytes. Canned pumpkin (not pie filling) is a low-fat, high-fiber anytime treat, alleviates constipation, and the opposite. Chicken broth is a savory liquid that can help keep them hydrated.
Make doggy ice cream in ice cube trays with a combo of pumpkin and plain yogurt, or freeze broth.
PLAN NOW
No one plans to get fired, arrested, homeless, injured, sick or die, but it happens EVERY DAY. Have a talk with family/friend that would step in and give your pet(s) a home if you are no longer able to. If they are in agreement, draw up papers with your attorney. Include financial provisions and instructions for your pet’s care. I have bailed out/fostered numerous displaced pets from Animal Control/Humane Society. It would be terrifying for your pet to lose you and their home, to end up in a cold kennel, the wrong hands, or joining you prematurely, on the other side. Have that talk TODAY.
KNOW NORMAL
Earlier this year, our orange cat, Prince seemed off. He had no interest in his rituals. He felt warm. I pinched his skin, and it did not retract (dehydrated). Bob said, “Don’t overreact.” Packing Prince into a carrier, with his blanket, I snarled, “You could NEVER be the mommy!” and headed to the vet. After a day on IV fluid under observation, he spent his first night away from home. If I had not acted quickly, his bacterial infection could have been deadly. He’s fine now.
The next time you visit your vet, watch what s/he does: looks inside the ears, mouth, feels body for lumps/ bumps, gets weight and temperature. Know your dog’s normal gum color, breathing, weight, dental health, habits, etc. Do not rely on your groomer or an annual vet visit. It takes only a minute or so. Check weekly. Many things can be treated/prevented by paying attention, which saves you time, money, worry and prolongs your beloved pet’s life. Happy, healthy 2020. Let’s walk!